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Choose Better Chocolate
Choose chocolate for those trick-or-treaters this … [Read more...]

Drastic measures had to be made!
We had switched to a gluten-free diet and began to eat mostly organic whole foods, with no artificial colors or flavorings. A Paleo diet, but with dairy. Not letting go of cheese and milk yet, if I can help it. My sons tummy troubles were almost immediately better just by going gluten free! I didn't know at the … [Read more...]

My family was sick for what seemed like forever. I needed to get them well and there are many natural ways to boost your immune system. I had already made 3 ingredient slow cooker chicken and used that for my favorite home made chicken noodle soup. I had saved the bones and what little chicken broth was left in the crock pot after cooking the crock … [Read more...]

Thanksgiving and holiday party planning are already beginning and you need a holiday party dessert recipe that is quick and easy, but looks like you spent hours creating it. And you want your festive dessert to taste delicious, too, of course. I made these adorable homemade mini pumpkin pies last year for a school party and they were a hit! Such a … [Read more...]

You're in-laws are coming over and you have no time to prepare a fancy meal, but still want to impress?
Don't stress out! I have the solution!
This is the easiest "homemade" chicken pot pie (you can barely call this one homemade, but no one has to know how easy it really was!) and it tastes great!
Here's all you need, a few cans of soup, a … [Read more...]

Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Smithfield® Marinated Fresh Pork. The opinions and text are all mine.
A hearty, well rounded meal, that takes less 30 minutes to prepare and only a few ingredients? Oh, and is gluten-free as well? Yes please!
Back-to-school season means everyone is busier. By the time you can get in the kitchen and … [Read more...]

Making apple sauce is a traditional fun fall activity. Once you go apple picking you always tend to end up with more apples than you can eat before they begin to get too ripe. Don't toss them out! Make homemade apple sauce! We have apple trees and a pear tree, so it's also a great thing to do with over ripe fruit.
Have you tried apple pear … [Read more...]

Have your kids started school yet? Or homeschooling activities?
Eating healthy when you're back to busy school nights or back to overly full homeschooling schedules is not an easy transition. Back to school time is such a busy time for all families and as an exhausted mom, myself, I often don't have the time or energy to cook a balanced meal. … [Read more...]

Even a homeschool family feels the pressure of back to school time. Well, this family does anyway. My kids attend classes and getting up in the morning is not something we are used to as a daily routine. It can be especially hard to get going after the summer break! I'm not a morning person myself, so usually end up rushed. I don't have time to … [Read more...]

The last few times I cooked pork, I bought a large pork roast and set it in the slow cooker. It made delicious pulled pork sandwiches, as pork roast gets super tender after slow cooking. My daughter has been asking for pork again, it's her favorite meat to have for dinner, but I wanted something different. I wanted a different type of texture and … [Read more...]

As the days get longer and we are out of the house more with sports or other afternoon activities, coming up with healthy dinners each night, let alone having time to make them, can be difficult. I like variety, but two nights a week are predictable. We always have Taco Tuesday and home made Pizza night on Fridays. Two other nights are leftover … [Read more...]

It's hard to come up with meals every night of the week, so we always have Taco Tuesday and Pizza night on Fridays. Two other nights are leftover nights, so that leaves just three dinners I need to plan for each week and I make enough for those leftover nights, I just mentioned. Another great trick is to make double and freeze a meal for the … [Read more...]

With spring finally here, many have renewed focus on healthy eating habits to get your body in tip top shape for summer or feel all around healthier. Then, bam! Easter is here and there are sweets and cakes all around. It's hard to stick to a healthy diet with so much temptation. For someone with a gluten-free diet, I can avoid much of these, but I … [Read more...]

We used to have pizza night once a week. It was a nice break from having to cook and, of course, something everyone enjoyed, so, no whining from anyone about what's for dinner.
After switching to a gluten-free diet, we were lucky to have many great pizza places around town that offered gluten free crust. None of us are celiac, so we didn't need … [Read more...]

If you're like me, you try to eat healthy at least most meals throughout the week, but as a busy mom, it's hard to do all the time.
I want to model a healthy diet and healthy lifestyle for my kids, but even so, it's not possible to be at my best every day or serving the most nutritious meals each and every meal. Often pizza or hot dogs is all I … [Read more...]

Leaves are changing and cooler weather is on it's way. Yes, it's beautiful, but to be honest, the best thing about fall is the food! In the summer it's too warm for hot, filling favorites. But now I can enjoy those comfort foods I've been missing all year long.
Speaking of comfort food, the meaning of that term has evolved in recent years. As we … [Read more...]

Lunch out in the city? Yes, please! Anyone who knows me, knows I love to eat. My favorite foods are hearty comfort foods. When I think of the term "comfort food" I think heavy, filling meals that "stick to your ribs". But when I actually crave comfort foods, is this what I'm really looking for?
This post is sponsored by Foster Farms Simply … [Read more...]

Are you a short order cook? Always trying to figure out what your kids will eat and make it as appealing as possible? I hope not! The best way to get picky eaters to eat or any kids to eat healthier foods is to get them involved in cooking. These cookbooks for kids and children's books about healthy eating will inspire your little chefs. The Kid's … [Read more...]

One of my favorite snacks used to be bagels. I don't miss much since switching to a gluten free diet, but I miss bagels!
BFree Foods said they'd send me some gluten free bagels to try. Why not? But, my expectations were low. I had tried a few gluten free bagels only to find them tasteless or too cake-like. I had given up altogether and just … [Read more...]

Many people suffer from tummy upset after drinking milk. They may self diagnose themselves as lactose intolerant. In fact, 1 in 4 Americans have discomfort after drinking milk, but only 5-7% of the population have been clinically diagnosed with a lactose intolerance medical condition.
I've always loved milk, but as an adult it doesn't always … [Read more...]

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Hello, I'm L. E. Mastilock. I am a lover of food, family, and nature. I encourage parents to live a green, healthy lifestyle and have fun learning together. I am a published author and multi media artist, homeschooling my kids in the beautiful CA mountains. Read More…

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